Special Committee of Vendors Meeting

Chairman Randall Crosby called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. Vice Chairman Kurt Ponchak called the role.

Monday January, 8, 2024

Virtually Present are Randall Crosby, Kurt Ponchak, Mitzi Bowen, Colton Knight, Mark Turner, David Stevens, Phil Hubbard, Jose Quintanilla, Sead Bekric, Orlando Ramirez, Bill Findley, Maryellen Harding, Maureen Fink,, Patrick Martin, Alton Palmore, Mike Renaud, TJ McCormick, and Ed Spence 

Motion to adopt agenda – Kurt; Seconded – Colton; Passed without objection

Blast Innovation 24 – Kurt. NABM is hosting the first ever Blast Innovation 24 Conference. It will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek from February 26th – 28th in Orlando. The committee voted at the last meeting to allow for $15,000 in set aside funds to be used for CEU training activities. The question arose as to whether that fund should be used for Blast Innovation. Typically, vendors may only be reimbursed for 1 registration fee per year for authorized CEU training. The registration fee for this event is $100.  Additional questions arose regarding whether vendors would be reimbursed for lodging and/or travel expenses. A major point to consider is Florida’s representation at this event. The floor was open for discussion. 

Motion for the agency to pay 1 additional registration fee in 2024 – Kurt; Seconded – Phil; After clarification concerns, Kurt withdrew the motion.

After some discussion Mitzi proposed the following motion. To attract Florida vendor participation a 1 time exception will be made to the registration fee policy in the year 2024 that applies only to Blast Innovation 24. The fee will be paid by the agency. Motion with accepted language – Kurt; Seconded – Colton      

Yes votes; Randall, Kurt, Colton, David, Phil, Jose, Sead, and Orlando. No votes. Mark. Motion passed 8 – 1. 

There was discussion regarding lodging and whether some or no assistance should be offered to cover costs. Lodging is estimated to be $170 per night. This event offers 1.5 CEU’s It was clarified the funds do not need to come from the $15,000 training budget that was authorized. If all vendors attended the cost would estimate around $50,000. It was clarified our funds would not cover agency travel. They have their own budget for attending approved events. Robert Doyle is in support of this event and encourages participation. It was expressed by some that we don’t want to make this exception to show an affiliation with any particular organization. It is merely to show support since the event is being held in Florida. Mitzi suggested making a motion similar to the one that just passed to include a specified dollar amount for lodging. The agency was asked if it was too late to initiate the travel reimbursement process. The agency feels a purchase order would be the best way to handle this situation.

Motion to Pay lodging for vendors who attend Blast Innovation 24 as long as the agency has the ability to use a state process for making payment – Kurt; Seconded – Colton 
Yes votes; Kurt, Colton, David, Jose, and Sead. No votes; Randall, Mark, Phil, and Orlando. Motion passed 5 – 4 

Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

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